Raksha Bandhan and Chandra Grahan Today

Aftermath of Chandra Grahan on Raksha Bandhan! Celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Shrawan or Sawan, Rakhi Purnima is the festival dedicated to the ethereal bond shared between the siblings. What would happen when Lunar Eclipse clashes with the festival of Raksha Bandhan?

A thread tied on the wrist to seek protection from someone whom you trust and love, Rakhi symbolises not just love, but a mutual faith in the other. As per the customs followed in North India, Raksha Bandhan traditionally belongs to the pair of Brother and sister, wherein the sister ties the sacred thread on the brother’s wrist. In return the brother pledges to protect the sister till his last breath.

Being one of the major festivals of India, Raksha Bandhan attracts the eye of not just Hindus, but people of other religions as well. The festival lays allegiance to the Hindu religion, but its nature and the reason of its existence makes it easier for all to become a part of the zeal.

This year on the 7th of August 2017, a partial Lunar Eclipse would also be seen. The Sutak period of the Grahan causes a chaos in the Muhurat Timings for Raksha Bandhan. But, according to the Hindu Scriptures, Nirnaya Sindhu and Dharm Sindhu, to celebrate Raksha Bandhan the eclipse period and Sankranti (Sun Transit) period mustn’t be considered.

According to the Verse 2 of Nirnaya Sindhu,

"इदं रक्षाबंधनं नियतकालत्वात् भद्रावर्ज्य ग्रहणदिनेपि कार्यं

होलिकावत्। ग्रहणसंक्रांत्यादौ रक्षानिषेधाभावात् ।"

Inference: Raksha Bandhan must be celebrated excluding the Bhadra time period, just like we do on the day of Holi. The Sutak of the Eclipse only applies to the indeterminable tasks, whereas Raksha Bandhan has a fixed tithi on which it’s celebrated, i.e. on the Shravan Purnima. Therefore, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on the 7th of August after 11:08 a.m.

For those who believe in the Sutak period of the Lunar Eclipse, the muhurat for Raksha Bandhan will be of 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Sutak will take effect at 01:44 p.m. and will end at 12:43 in the night, as the eclipse passes. The time period of 11:07 a.m. to 01:43 p.m. will be considered the best period for the tying of Rakhi.

How to celebrate Rakhi Poornima

On the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, take a bath early in the morning and start prepping for the day. There are numerous traditions associated with the festival of Rakhi, but the gist of all comes to the tying of the silk thread on the brother’s wrist and wishing him the best for his life. The brother takes an oath in response to the trust levied on him by swearing to protect the sister with all his heart and might.

A little packet which carries Akshat (unbroken rice), yellow mustard seeds, and golden wire is to be tied on the right hand of the brother by the sister, while chanting the following mantra:

ॐ येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः।

तेन त्वामपि बध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल।।

Note: This packet (potli) must be worshipped first before tying it.

Significance of Raksha Bandhan:

A single thread of silk holds a much larger importance than any gold or riches. Raksha Bandhan symbolises this trust and love. Celebrated with zeal, Rakhi is the embodiment of a sister’s faith and love in her love, and the sense of pride and responsibility for a brother.

Being a ‘Resham ki dori’ for some, to being the signifier of love for others, Rakhi has changed forms one too many times.

While earlier, a Rakhi was nothing more than a silk thread or 'Resham Ki Dori', signifying the sweet love between a brother and a sister, now it has evolved a long way. However, this never dulled the charm of this festival or its importance.

This Raksha Bandhan swear to be each other's support. Empower one another and be the pillar of strength. Form relationships that are deeper than gossiping and hanging out! Be strong enough to support and selfless enough to trust the other person to catch you when you fall.

We also appeal to our viewers to plant a tree this Rakshabandhan and pledge to make this place a little more wonderful by loving and forgiving!

AstroSage wishes you a fabulous Raksha Bandhan!

Chandra Grahan 2017

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, i.e. 7th of August, 2017 a partial Lunar Eclipse will be observed. This eclipse will take place in the Shravan Nakshatra (Constellation) and Capricorn zodiac sign. The Shravan is the Constellation of the Moon, therefore those with a weak moon in their birth chart will face a hard time in this duration. The Eclipse happening on the Monday of 7th August is called the ‘Chudamani Sangyak’. This type of eclipse is brilliant for charitable deeds, paying homage to the deity, and indulging in spiritual activities.

Chandra Grahan will remain visible in India, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, East and South America, etc. Since, this grahan is visible in India, the sootak will be applicable during its occurrence. Following are the timings for Chandragrahan.

Sutak Period of the Lunar Eclipse

The sutak period of the Chandra Grahan would start from 01:52 p/.m.on 07th August. This would continue till the eclipse ceases and just after a bath this period would come to an end. Before the Eclipse starts it’s important that you take a bath, in the mid pay homage to the almighty, and as soon as it ends donate in charity before taking a shower.

Know about the Eclipses of the year 2017 in detail along with the do’s and don’ts during an eclipse: Grahan 2017

With this we at AstroSage hope that Raksha Bandhan and Chandra Grahan both fare well for you!